CF Gentlemen's EDC

tjswarbrick

tjswarbrick

Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
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I'd been EDC'ng a BM940 for nearly a year now. Still a great knife, but I've never warmed up to the reverse-tanto blade.
Lat week, I replaced it in my pocket with a blue M390 PM2. Now that's a knife! Hasn't been long, of course, but I love handling, activating, and using it.
Of course, the Para2 isn't exactly small. I will EDC it in the office, but occasionally I may want something a little fancy, a little un-scary, and a little light - like when I wear a suit, go to church, or help out at my daughters' school. I've been using a blem Leek for the purpose, but it's not terribly fancy, and sometimes the shiny stainless handle feels like it's going to get away from me. Plus, schools in my silly state have a 2.5" blade restriction. It's unclear to me, but I'm going to assume edge length.
I held a Sage 1, and was amazed at how good it felt, and how easy it was to use for a liner-lock. But it didn't seem distinctive enough at the time to drop a benjamin on it. Now I'm really digging CF scales.

I just saw the Spyderco Air, and it got me thinking that I want it. However, I'm also rather smitten with the BM 480-1.
With discounts, price is a wash. My birthday's coming up about the time Spyderco expects to release it.
It's tough, because nobody's handled an Air yet. Still, based on experience with my M4 Manix2 and M390 Para2, I expect great things.

So, CF and Supersteel: M4 vs M390; walker linerlock vs Nak-Lok; spydie-hole vs thumbstud; Chevy vs Ford. I have removed the clips from all my small EDC's for deep-pocket carry, so the lack of one is actually a bonus for me. The std BladeForums mantra - "Get Both" - just isn't in the cards at the moment. Plus, then one would become a safe queen, which doesn't work for me.
What should I do? What would you do?

- Tom
 
Have you considered the Boker Anti-Grav? Ceramic blade, carbon fiber handle, 2 ounces.

ZABsq.jpg
 
M390 is like a stainless M4, but Spyderco hardens their steels more, so their M4 should hold an edge longer. Based on the quality and design of my Gayle Bradley (designed by the same person and made by the same factory), I'd expect very good things of the Air. But ultimately both are good knives and it comes down to which one you like better.

BTW, the CA school thing says that the knife also has to be non-locking (CA penal code 626). But that's incredibly annoying to me so I just ignore that law altogether and carry whatever I want. I keep a low profile and stay out of trouble, so it hasn't been a problem for me.
 
The 480-1 Shoki is nice, but I wouldn't rely on the nak-lok given that I can push mine closed like a slipjoint. Also, M390 might actually be a CON for a knife that small. The reason I say that is because unless you're cutting lots of cardboard or fiberglass insulation with that tiny blade, that level of edge retention simply isn't necessary.

Perhaps consider a William Henry if price is no object. I also feel some of the smaller Buck folders are worth the money, though you won't get carbon fiber with those unless you have them custom made. I prefer good old wood myself, and it's hard to imagine it as intimidating. But if my Buck 110 is any example, it won't be very light.
 
Tsujigiri said:
the CA school thing says that the knife also has to be non-locking
Click to expand...

Tsuji, I swear I've read that a dozen times, and never noticed about the non-locking folders.
I keep a low profile and stay out of trouble, too, but I also try to set a good example for my kids.
Maybe I'll revert to my Medium Stockman when I know I'll be there a while.

Thanks for the help guys.
Perhaps I should just admit that I have a disease, and lust after a CF, super-steel fancy EDC. Plus, it would be cool if the scales matched the Droid Razr that I (may) get at around the same time.
Maybe I should go play with a 480. I tried BM's 470 "Emissary", and found it too small for my hands, though I know people swear by Spydie's even smaller Dragonfly.
Sadly, cost is an object, and WH is, for the most part, way out of the range.
Noctis, that's very helpful re: the nak-lok. M390 should be great - may never need sharpening.
M4 might be useful in a small blade like this, since it'll probably be thin and a little extra toughness will help it survive any mishaps that may befall it.
 
Noctis3880 said:
The 480-1 Shoki is nice, but I wouldn't rely on the nak-lok given that I can push mine closed like a slipjoint. Also, M390 might actually be a CON for a knife that small. The reason I say that is because unless you're cutting lots of cardboard or fiberglass insulation with that tiny blade, that level of edge retention simply isn't necessary.

Perhaps consider a William Henry if price is no object. I also feel some of the smaller Buck folders are worth the money, though you won't get carbon fiber with those unless you have them custom made. I prefer good old wood myself, and it's hard to imagine it as intimidating. But if my Buck 110 is any example, it won't be very light.
Click to expand...

Mine has been rock solid. I think the later ones have had the problem addressed. Love the knife, it goes to the office with me every day.
 
A.G.Russel 3in Carbon Fiber Lockback.

2.5in VG10 (not as nice as what you were looking for), CF scales, and 0.7oz. No pocket clip, but also no thumbstud.

Its worth a look at least.
 
I couldn't help but think of the tried and true Spyderco Sage 1 also the new Chaperall looks promising and while it lacks Carbon Fiber the new Manbug would make an excellent affordable, low profile ( it lacks a pocket clip ) modern gents knife.
 
That's a tough choice. I have the 480-1 and it is a great gents folder, although the blade on mine does not center when closed. The lock is secure, I don't have any issues with that.

I really like the looks of the Air, too, so if I can work out the cash flow issues I would love to get one. I think this will turn into a question of whichever one you like better, since both are great knives.
 
Went to a local dealer today. The BM 480 is TINY. I had trouble swinging it open one-handed because I could only get a couple fingers on there to begin with. (The Para2 fits my XL hands like a glove, and the Manix2 is a great fit, too.) The Spydie hole tends to be slightly easier to use, but it looks like the Air will be even smaller.
They didn't have a Chaparral to try. I already know the Sage is a breeze. I tried the Native5 - very nice. Handled surprisingly well for its size. Didn't realize there was a CF Native4 - that could be worth checking into.
Met a guy today with a CF/ZDP-189 Caly3, but I didn't think to ask him if I could handle it. Kicking myself now. Ouch.
I like the idea of the ManBug, but I think it'll just be too small. The D'Fly us serviceable, but I can't even get a solid grip on that.
I've never used a Boker, but am not too interested in a ceramic blade. Doesn't the A.G. Russell lockback just have a nail nick?
Anything else I should be looking at?
Revised: hoping for <= $150 range, ~ 3 in blade, CF, and tough high-end steel that will retain its edge. Is that too much to ask?
Thanks again for the help. You guys are always a wealth of knowledge.
 
Spyderco Lum Carbon Fiber is probably what I carry more than anything else. 3" VG-10 blade, CF handle.

ada82f5e.jpg
 
I'll agree with ExMachina here - the 480/480-1 'NakLok' is just a linerlock with a push button - if it 'pushes' off, something is dreadfully wrong - return it for service.

Here is my now six month old 480-1 with a similar age 581 Barrage and a nearing two years old EDC 755 MPR, my trio of m390 steel BM's:

IMG_4667.jpg


I don't like - or use clips - so I removed the 480-1 Shoki sheath's clip. Sheathed, it is a comfortable 'Gent's' knife. The 755 is a great EDC. I like nearly everything about the 581 Barrage except for one nagging attribute - it's assisted openning feature. I knew about it - thought I'd become 'accustomed' - nope - it doesn't get much use. My hands are medium+, so the Barrage is a better match in my hand than the Shoki. But, the Shoki, by definition, is a 'Gent's' knife - and it fills that niche perfectly, in my opinion. My local 'pusher', aka BM enabler/knife emporium, made my mind up with a brief sale - either Shoki - $129! How do you say no to that? I kept the 'may pops' (worn out tires) on my Jeep for a bit longer... but I bought that 480-1!

Stainz
 
I think a spyderco terzoula would fit the bill if you'd consider S30V and slipjoints. Its easy to forget its there.
 
Part of my consideration for a new EDC knife is whether or not I can afford to lose it, for whatever reason, whether it results from inadequate gear retention, or official intervention, or metal fatigue (I wouldn't want to suggest that I pry with my knife).

It's not just a $$ consideration, either. Some knives are just too nice to carry.

Might help you decide in one direction or the other...
 
If You liked the 940 exept for the bladeshape, check out the 943! Same knife but with a more "pointy" blade.

Godo luck!

Rob
 
Find that guy again with the CF/ZDP-189 Caly3. I have one and its a sweet knife. No regrets with this knife. Best of luck finding the right one for you.
 
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